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About VSO
A VSO HIV & AIDS trainer in Namibia

Our programme initiatives

VSO's programme initiatives are based on the 6 development goals and 3 approaches laid down in our strategic plan. We are currently prioritising our goals in HIV & AIDS work and education. Here are some of our current programme initiatives in these areas.

HIV & AIDS

We work alongside our partner organisations to combat stigma, raise awareness and increase the availability of treatment, care and support for those infected and affected by the HIV & AIDS pandemic.

Bullet.Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa (RAISA)
Bullet.VSO teachers in China target education to share the message of prevention

HIV & AIDS Mainstreaming Guide for VSO Offices
This guide has been written drawing together the emerging learning VSO has around mainstreaming and on resources and experience from our country programmes. 

The guide is divided into two main sections. The first provides background information on the concept of mainstreaming, including a model, developed by VSO staff for mainstreaming HIV & AIDS in VSO programme offices. The second section outlines the six stages for mainstreaming HIV & AIDS as set out in the VSO model. Each stage provides practical steps to effective mainstreaming supported with examples of good practice, such as case studies, follow-up activities and useful resources.

Bullet.HIV & AIDS Mainstreaming Guide for VSO offices (pdf, 1006.5kb)

Education

Our education goal is to increase the accessibility, gender equity, relevance and quality of education for disadvantage people in poor countries.

We support country governments to provide quality education for all. We work particularly with local organisations to ensure an equal right to quality education for boys and girls, those with a disability, students who are affected by the HIV & AIDS crisis or come from marginalised ethnic groups.

We achieve this through 6-700 skilled and experienced international education volunteers working in 26 countries who:
  • support teachers: motivating, building confidence and promoting teachers' involvement in decision making
  • develop links between schools and communities
  • enable disadvantaged students to access good quality education
  • improve education management and planning systems particularly at local government level 
We share our experience and learning at grass roots level with national and international policy makers.

Every year our programme offices report on volunteer and programme achievements. Here are some excerpts from 2003-4 country reports that illlustrate the type of work and some of the outcomes of our work in support of quality education for all.

Bullet.Quality education provision in English, maths and/or science in Namibia
Bullet.HIV & AIDS awareness programme for teachers in Zambia
Bullet.Girls' empowerment in Zambia

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